To the Editor:

At a recent Board of Directors meeting for the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, the board voted unanimously to support the upcoming New Ulm Schools 2022 Referendum, which is up for renewal on the November 8 ballot. Continued feedback from our Chamber Members about the availability of skilled workforce, as well as community assets to attract this workforce, has influenced this decision. Quality K-12 education is essential for a thriving business community.

Our ability to attract and keep a skilled workforce is crucial to our economic sustainability. In essence, if we want to attract talent and business to our area, we must commit to excellence in education. Knowing that education is important to the community, as a strong yes vote would indicate, will help make New Ulm more attractive to potential future residents and businesses considering opening/relocating to New Ulm.

When my husband and I were considering where to relocate in 2014, we considered several different communities. New Ulm was our choice for many reasons, but the fact that we knew the community valued education, as was evident by the support for building a new high school, was one of the factors we considered as we made our choice to move here.

Vote yes to renew the operating levy already in place. Funds will ensure our schools can maintain low class sizes, maintain current programs for college prep and technical education, and provide student technology and infrastructure. If the referendum does not pass, our district will face cuts. More information about the referendum can be found at www.newulmreferendum.org. The Chamber Board sees this referendum passing as critical for our community. Join us in voting YES on November 8th.

Sarah Warmka

President/CEO

New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce